ACCA SBR — Strategic Business Reporting Syllabus 2026
SBR at a Glance
SBR (formerly P2) is the advanced financial reporting paper at the Strategic Professional level. It builds on FR and demands deep IFRS knowledge, professional scepticism, and the ability to evaluate, synthesise, and recommend in complex reporting scenarios. It is compulsory.
Complete SBR Syllabus 2026 — Section by Section
Section A — Conceptual & Regulatory Framework
- IASB Conceptual Framework: recognition, derecognition, and measurement.
- Global convergence: IFRS vs US GAAP differences.
- IASB due process: exposure drafts, comment letters, and standards development.
- Regulatory environment: the role of IOSCO, SEC, and national standard-setters.
Section B — Group Accounts (Advanced)
- IFRS 3: complex acquisition scenarios, contingent consideration, step acquisitions.
- IFRS 10: control in complex structures; structured entities.
- IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements: joint operations vs joint ventures.
- IAS 27/IFRS 28: Associates and impairment of goodwill on acquisition.
- Consolidated cash flow statements (IAS 7 applied to groups).
- Foreign currency translation: IAS 21 — functional vs presentation currency.
Section C — Accounting Standards (Advanced)
- IFRS 9: classification, measurement, impairment (ECL model), and hedge accounting.
- IFRS 15 Revenue: complex agent/principal, variable consideration, contract modifications.
- IFRS 16 Leases: sale-and-leaseback, detailed lessor accounting.
- IAS 19 Employee Benefits: defined benefit plans — corridor approach and OCI.
- IFRS 2 Share-Based Payment: equity-settled and cash-settled.
- IAS 12 Deferred Tax: business combinations and compound instruments.
- IFRS 13 Fair Value Measurement: hierarchy levels, inputs, and disclosures.
Section D — Sustainability & Integrated Reporting
- IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB): S1 and S2.
- Integrated Reporting
: six capitals, value creation model. - ESG metrics and their relevance to financial reporting.
- Climate-related financial disclosures: TCFD recommendations.
Section E — Current Issues in Reporting
- Narrative reporting: strategic reports, management commentary, KPIs.
- Earnings management and creative accounting; professional judgement.
- Ethical dimensions of financial reporting: IESBA Code for accountants.
Download SBR Resources — Free
Get our SBR syllabus guide or study notes covering advanced IFRS, group reporting, and current issues.
SBR — Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between FR and SBR?
FR applies IFRS standards to prepare and analyse statements. SBR takes this further by asking you to evaluate, advise, and recommend on complex reporting issues — including sustainability, ethics, and emerging IFRS changes. SBR demands professional judgement, not just technical application.
Are current issues important in SBR?
Critically so. A section of the SBR exam consistently tests awareness of emerging IFRS, ISSB sustainability standards, and current financial reporting debates. Read ACCA's Student Accountant magazine and keep up with IASB publications.